[net.periphs] IEEE-P1011 serial transfer line standard

jd@sun.UUCP (jean daniel nicoud) (08/09/83)

A new serial transfer line standard

The IEEE Microprocessor Standard Committee has started a new project, code-named
P-1011, for a simple serial transfer transfer line, also referred 
as A5 (Asynchronous 5 volts). It is intended to replace the RS-232
except for expensive modems. 

Draft D1.1 proposes three implementations:

A5/T is primarily intended for keyboards and mice. A 4-pin telephone jack 
provides power and bidirectionnal transfers on TTL-like signals.

A5/D uses the RS-422 electrical specs (balanced pairs) and a sub-D9 connector. 
This allows long distances and high speed, and is compatible with the most 
stringent FCC rules.

The door is still open for A5/F, upward compatible (small adapter required). 
A5/F may use special ICs, but A5/T and A5/D are compatible with all the 
programmable interface and one-chip microcomputers having a serial I/O port.

Compared with RS-232, A5 does not need +12V and -12V, is symmetrical (no DTE/DCE
relationship), and defines standard software protocols for handling peripherals.
A5 is primarily designed for human-controlled peripherals in a personal computer
environnment. If A5 was used on all systems, one could for instance travel with 
one's own keyboard and mouse, and stay efficient and happy on all systems, would
they be a terminal, a low-cost personal computer or a professionnal workstation.


For more information and participation to the working groups, write to one of 
the chairmen:

J.D. Nicoud, LAMI-EPFL, 16 Bellerive, CH-1007 Lausanne, Telex 26420

Matt Biewer, ProLog Corp, 2411 Garden Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, Tel (408) 372-4593


Before August 18, you can reach JD Nicoud at  sun!jd@BERKELEY